A Bold Experiment in Digital Detox

In a groundbreaking initiative, 12 Year 9 students at The Ladies' College embarked on a transformative 14-day digital detox, blocking access to social media apps on their phones. This student-led research aimed to uncover the true effects of a social media hiatus on mental wellbeing.

Revitalized Connections and Enhanced Focus

Throughout the trial, participants reported feeling more present and less distracted. They noted a surge in engaging, face-to-face conversations and discovered they were spending significantly more quality time with family and friends. With decreasing screen time, many participants filled those hours with enriching activities focused on their wellbeing.

Mood Matters: Tracking the Emotional Shift

To measure the impact of their digital detox, participants completed mood questionnaires at various stages—from before the trial to a week after it ended. While the data revealed an uplifting trend in mental health during the trial, some participants experienced a decline in mood once their social media access was restored.

Personal Testimonials: Students Share Their Revelations

Katja, one of the pioneering sixth formers behind the project, remarked, "We’ve all heard about how excessive phone use can affect mental health and focus. It was eye-opening to see how quickly people noticed a difference when they stepped away from social media."

Eleanor, a Year 9 participant, shared her initial fears of missing social media: "At first, I thought I’d really miss scrolling through social media, but after just a few days, I barely thought about it. I discovered more time for reading, outdoor activities, and genuine conversations. I never realized how distracting my phone was until I took a break!"

Leadership Commendations and Future Plans

Principal Daniele Harford-Fox praised the students for their original research efforts, noting, "I'm proud of the team for taking on such an interesting approach that sheds light on the problematic nature of social media addiction."

Excitingly, the team plans to expand their research to include a larger participant pool. The next phase aims to involve 20 students along with their parents, deepening their inquiry into the long-term effects of social media breaks on mental wellbeing.

Visual Snapshot: Meet the Trailblazers

Featured in the project are Students Katja and Eleanor, who are leading the charge towards healthier digital usage.